Solas Awards

Thank you for your overwhelming support for the 2020 Solas Awards.

If you would still like to make a donation or purchase an ad for the program book, please contact Rebecca Rathje at rebecca@welcomingcenter.org.

The Solas Awards are a hallmark of our organization and the primary fundraising event to recognize key community organizations and business leaders for their work supporting immigrant integration in Philadelphia. At the event, you will meet a remarkable array of business, civic and community leaders who, like you, are tapping into diverse talent to enhance their ability to compete in today’s economy. It is a terrific opportunity to make new contacts and demonstrate support for Philadelphia’s growing global population.

Solas means ‘light’ in Irish. Each year at the Solas Awards, the Welcoming Center honors individuals and organizations that illuminate the positive impact that immigrants make to the regional economy.

Sponsor and Advertising Opportunities

Please consider supporting the work we do through sponsorship, with opportunities available ranging from $1,000 – $50,000. We also have advertising opportunities in our event program ranging from $250 – $3,000. Click here to view the sponsorship packet that outlines these various opportunities. Contact Rebecca Rathje (rebecca@welcomingcenter.org, 215.557.2858) with any questions.

2020 Honorees

Dennis Clark Solas AwardAngelina Branca

Angelina Branca will be given the Dennis Clark Solas Award for her leadership in highlighting the role of immigrants in moving America forward. Ange is an entrepreneur, a chef, an immigrant from Malaysia, and the founder of the Muhibbah Dinners which bring together Philadelphia chefs to celebrate the restaurant industry’s rich diversity and raise money to support local immigrant communities. Ange is the founder and co-owner of the South Philadelphia restaurant Saté Kampar which was a semifinalist for the 2017 James Beard Best New Restaurant Award.

Patrick Clancy and Philadelphia Works, Inc.will be given the Atlas Award for Advancing Opportunityfor recognizing the contributions that immigrants make to our workforce and to revitalizing and stabilizing our neighborhoods. Since the Welcoming Center’s inception, PhilaWorks has been there as a loyal supporter of the Welcoming Center’s work and has been a leader leveraging resources and cross-sector relationships to advance a thriving workforce.